“Do you like to cook?” Travis held his breath,
hoping for an answer that would not have him hiring a cook. Or putting Samantha
back into the role of taking care of not only him and the boys, but also
Leanna.
“Yes, whenever I had the opportunity. Mostly
during the times when the school cook was gone for a day or two. It didn’t
happen very often, but when it did, I took great pleasure in combining
ingredients into something edible.” Leanna straightened her back then looked
over at him. “It’s a form of science really, don’t you think?”
“Honestly, I never thought of the preparation
of food being science, I’m too busy eating.” Travis shook his
head. “Don’t tell Heath. He’ll have you experimenting with every item in his
garden.”
“Maybe, with your permission, I can have him
help me prepare some vegetable dishes then?”
“I’m sure he would be more than happy to assist
you,” Travis said, pleased she was already taking an interest in the children.
“He takes great pride in his garden, for one so young.”
Leanna smiled quickly then turned her attention
to the road in front of them. Had talking about cooking made her melancholy?
“Do you miss them?” Travis dared to ask, hoping
to make her feel more at peace with being here with him. He may not ever give
her love, but he would offer her his friendship as well his companionship. “The
children, I mean.”
She drew in a breath, her shoulders easing as
she released it slowly. “Yes, I do miss the children most of all. They lit up
my day and gave me joy. I miss my friends, but they have gone on with their own
lives in Texas and here in Indian Territory as well. As for Madam Wigg, she was
the only mother I remember.”
“She had written me with her recommendation
that you had been with her for quite some time,” Travis reported, wishing she’d
open up a bit more about herself. “Do you know how old you were when you came
to live at the school?”
“I was about six, I believe,” Leanna said, not
offering more information.
Travis wanted more. He needed to know what kind
of people would give their child up and why. Surely, things could never be that
bleak to give up one’s own flesh and blood.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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